Question

Name the method to distinguish two types of cell wall in bacteria.

Answer 1

Eubacteria:

1. These bacteria possess an outer cell wall that surrounds the plasma membrane.
2. The plasma membrane surrounds the cytoplasm with ribosomes.

The gram staining method helps us to distinguish two types of the cell wall in bacteria namely,

A. Gram-positive -

1. The cell walls of gram-positive bacteria are composed predominantly of peptidoglycan.
2. When seen under a microscope, this process turns gram-positive organisms blue or purple.
3. Since the peptidoglycan layer is thicker and relatively porous, it will help them to easily take up the stain.
4. Example: - Streptococcus and Bacillus

B. Gram-negative -

1. The cell walls of gram-negative bacteria are more complex than that of gram-positive bacteria, with more ingredients overall.
2. When seen under a microscope, this process turns gram-positive organisms pink or red.
3. Since the peptidoglycan layer is thin and has an outer membrane that contains alcohol-soluble lipopolysaccharides thus the cell doesn't take up the stain as the cell wall ruptures during the treatment.
4. Example: - E. coli and Acetobacter